Topped Lavender - introduced (*Lavandula stoechas)

Other names: Spanish Lavender.

Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family).

Native of the Mediterranean region.

Occurrence: A minor weed, mostly close to townships. It can be locally abundant.

Identification:

• the purple (lavender coloured) flowers are in cylindrical clusters at the ends of the flowering stalks
• the stems and leaves are softly downy, giving the plant a grey appearance
• the leaves are not toothed
• the plant has a strong lavender smell when crushed.

It is a declared noxious weed and listed as Restricted in central Victoria.

French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) is also an occasional weed and can be distinguished by its toothed leaves.

Photos: Topped Lavender. Newbound St, Castlemaine.